Learning does not stop in the classroom. Students of the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, expanded their experience and competencies through a Field Internship (PKL) at the Oil Palm Seed Center of PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV Regional II. The activity provided students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge they had gained during their studies while gaining first-hand insight into plantation management practices in the field.
Under the supervision of their Field Internship faculty supervisor, Prof. Dr. Diana Sofia Hanafiah, S.P., M.P., the students participated in activities within the plantation environment and gained practical insights into oil palm management and nursery practices. Direct interaction with the professional workplace helped students understand work processes, improve accuracy in carrying out their tasks, and recognize various challenges encountered in plantation management.
Beyond technical skills, the Field Internship also plays an important role in developing students’ professional readiness. Through this experience, students were trained to develop discipline, a sense of responsibility, adaptability, and teamwork as preparation for entering the workforce and contributing to the agricultural and plantation sectors.
The implementation of the Field Internship also forms part of efforts to promote learning aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Direct learning experiences support SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening students’ knowledge and skills, while also supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by equipping students with workplace experience and professional readiness. Meanwhile, exposure to responsible and sustainable plantation management practices contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).